Can skin changes be prevented?
There are things you can do to help prevent skin changes or at least try to keep them under control. Your doctor may ask you to start doing these things as soon as targeted treatment starts – before you have skin problems.
Starting good skin care before you have side effects may help to minimize the problems You may be asked to:
Use very mild soaps, body washes, and shampoos that do not contain alcohol, perfume, or dye.
Take baths instead of showers, and try oatmeal bath products to soothe your skin.
Bathe with cool or lukewarm (instead of hot) water. And avoid hot, humid places.
Moisturize your skin at least twice a day with a thick emollient cream that has no alcohol, perfumes, or dyes. The best time to do this is right after you bathe, while your skin is still damp.
Wear loose, soft clothing.
Keep nails short.
Use laundry detergents and fabric softeners without strong perfumes
Stay out of the sun as much as possible, because sunlight seems to trigger and/or worsen rashes in some people. If you’ll be outside during the day, wear a hat and clothes with long sleeves. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and zinc oxide or titanium dioxide at least 1 hour before going out. Be careful near windows too.
Not use acne medicines. Though the rash may look like acne, acne medicines don’t work. They can even dry it out and make it worse.
Try gel shoe inserts if the soles of your feet are tender.
Wear shoes that fit well and aren’t too tight. Thick, soft socks may help if you have shoes that are big enough for the extra bulk.
Ask your doctor or nurse if there are other things you can do to help lower your chance of skin problems.
There are things you can do to help prevent skin changes or at least try to keep them under control. Your doctor may ask you to start doing these things as soon as targeted treatment starts – before you have skin problems.
Starting good skin care before you have side effects may help to minimize the problems You may be asked to:
Use very mild soaps, body washes, and shampoos that do not contain alcohol, perfume, or dye.
Take baths instead of showers, and try oatmeal bath products to soothe your skin.
Bathe with cool or lukewarm (instead of hot) water. And avoid hot, humid places.
Moisturize your skin at least twice a day with a thick emollient cream that has no alcohol, perfumes, or dyes. The best time to do this is right after you bathe, while your skin is still damp.
Wear loose, soft clothing.
Keep nails short.
Use laundry detergents and fabric softeners without strong perfumes
Stay out of the sun as much as possible, because sunlight seems to trigger and/or worsen rashes in some people. If you’ll be outside during the day, wear a hat and clothes with long sleeves. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and zinc oxide or titanium dioxide at least 1 hour before going out. Be careful near windows too.
Not use acne medicines. Though the rash may look like acne, acne medicines don’t work. They can even dry it out and make it worse.
Try gel shoe inserts if the soles of your feet are tender.
Wear shoes that fit well and aren’t too tight. Thick, soft socks may help if you have shoes that are big enough for the extra bulk.
Ask your doctor or nurse if there are other things you can do to help lower your chance of skin problems.
